Law: the expert view + Police | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/law/series/law-the-expert-view+uk/police
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Jimmy Savile abuse allegations: next legal steps | Joshua Rozenberghttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/oct/03/jimmy-savile-abuse-allegations-next-legal-steps
Police should investigate whether anyone else should be charged in relation to rape and sexual abuse allegations<p>Should the police now formally investigate allegations of rape and sexual abuse against Sir Jimmy Savile?</p><p>After a woman reported a "historic" rape allegation on Monday, Scotland Yard <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/oct/02/jimmy-savile-rape-claim" title="">said her claim would be "reviewed and assessed"</a>. However, no decision had been taken on whether to open a formal investigation.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/oct/03/jimmy-savile-abuse-allegations-next-legal-steps">Continue reading...</a>UK criminal justiceLawJimmy SavileMediaBBCPoliceUK newsWed, 03 Oct 2012 13:42:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/oct/03/jimmy-savile-abuse-allegations-next-legal-stepsPhotograph: Alex Maguire / Rex FeaturesShould the police now formally investigate allegations of rape and sexual abuse against Sir Jimmy Savile? Photograph: Alex Maguire / Rex FeaturesPhotograph: Alex Maguire / Rex FeaturesShould the police now formally investigate allegations of rape and sexual abuse against Sir Jimmy Savile? Photograph: Alex Maguire / Rex FeaturesJoshua Rozenberg2012-10-03T13:42:36ZHillsborough families have the truth. Justice will take longer | Joshua Rozenberghttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/sep/12/hillsborough-families-truth-justice
What is the next step legally? Joshua Rozenberg explores the options for a new inquest, public inquiry or criminal proceedings<p>As the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/sep/12/hillsborough-disaster-david-cameron-apologises" title="">Bishop of Liverpool made clear</a> on Wednesday afternoon, it's not his role or the role of his panel to apportion blame for the Hillsborough disaster of 1989 or decide whether there should be a new inquest into the deaths of the 96 victims. An alternative option would be the establishment of a new public inquiry, headed by a lawyer or judge and taking the documents published by the panel this afternoon as its starting-point.</p><p>An inquiry would be able to take evidence from witnesses and decide who was responsible for trying to deflect blame onto the fans. The main purpose of an inquest is to decide how the deceased came by his or her death and coroners are not allowed to express their opinions on other matters.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/sep/12/hillsborough-families-truth-justice">Continue reading...</a>UK criminal justiceMichael MansfieldHillsborough disasterLawLiverpoolPoliceUK newsFootballSportWed, 12 Sep 2012 15:26:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/sep/12/hillsborough-families-truth-justicePhotograph: Pool/REUTERSHillsborough Family Support Group member Trevor Hicks speaks at a news conference following the publication of the report. Michael Mansfield QC (to his right) referred to a possible manslaughter charge Photograph: Pool/REUTERSPhotograph: Pool/REUTERSHillsborough Family Support Group member Trevor Hicks speaks at a news conference following the publication of the report. Michael Mansfield QC (to his right) referred to a possible manslaughter charge Photograph: Pool/REUTERSJoshua Rozenberg2012-09-12T15:26:35ZStop and search: there's an app for that | Jon Robinshttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/jun/15/stop-search-app-rights-police
Can an app that aims to inform young people of their rights when being stopped and searched help police relations?<p>Aaron Sonson, Satwant Singh Kenth and Gregory Paczkowski, were set the challenge of designing an app that would help solve a community problem. They were on a course called Apps for Good, run by the non-profit organisation the Centre for Digital Inclusion. Some 21 problems were shortlisted but the three friends, who had all been stopped and searched a number of times, came up with the <a href="http://appsforgood.org/apps/stop-and-search/" title="">Stop and Search app</a>.</p><p>The Equality and Human Rights Commission <a href="http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/news/2012/june/new-research-underlines-need-for-faster-progress-on-stop-and-search/" title="">reported</a> this week that police <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jun/12/police-stop-and-search-black-people" title="">were 28 times more likely to use stop-and-search</a> powers against black people than white people. As we learned from the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk/series/reading-the-riots" title="">Guardian and LSE's Reading the Riots research</a>, discontent with the police contributed to last summer's riots and the use and abuse of stop and search was one of the most loathed aspects.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/jun/15/stop-search-app-rights-police">Continue reading...</a>Stop and searchUK criminal justiceLawPoliceRace issuesUK newsYoung peopleSocietyFri, 15 Jun 2012 12:01:48 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/jun/15/stop-search-app-rights-policePhotograph: Gideon Mendel/ Gideon Mendel/In Pictures/CorbisCan an app be useful in telling young people their rights when stopped and searched by the police? Photograph: Gideon Mendel/ Gideon Mendel/In Pictures/CorbisPhotograph: Gideon Mendel/ Gideon Mendel/In Pictures/CorbisCan an app be useful in telling young people their rights when stopped and searched by the police? Photograph: Gideon Mendel/ Gideon Mendel/In Pictures/CorbisJon Robins2012-06-15T12:01:48ZCan the CPS really crack down on football clubs for racist chants by fans? | David Bankshttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/mar/29/cps-football-racist-chants
It is easy to identify an individual using racist language but it becomes problematic when it is a crowd<p>If the CPS finally cracks down on racist chants at football matches it won't be for want of prompting. But whether they can do so by threatening clubs with prosecution or loss of points is highly questionable. In his lecture at the University of Portsmouth on Wednesday, Nick Hawkins, the CPS's lead sports prosecutor <a href="http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/press_releases/football_lead_top_prosecutor_urges_clubs_to_stop_their_fans_singing_abusive_chants/" title="">asked sports authorities</a> to help stamp out racist chants from the sidelines.</p><p>Racism has been a problem for football for as long as ethnic minority players have taken to the pitch. Fans who would pick on any facet possible to bait opposition players were allowed for too long to resort to racial abuse.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/mar/29/cps-football-racist-chants">Continue reading...</a>LawPoliceUK newsRace issuesFootballSportThu, 29 Mar 2012 16:33:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/mar/29/cps-football-racist-chantsPhotograph: Marcello Pozzetti Ips/MARCELLO POZZETTI IPSThe CPS may be putting an unreasonable burden on the football clubs and stewards policing the crowds
Photograph: Marcello Pozzetti IpsPhotograph: Marcello Pozzetti Ips/MARCELLO POZZETTI IPSThe CPS may be putting an unreasonable burden on the football clubs and stewards policing the crowds
Photograph: Marcello Pozzetti IpsDavid Banks2012-03-29T16:33:36ZBabar Ahmad ruling is a victory for freedom of expression | Joshua Rozenberghttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/jan/12/babar-ahmad-victory-freedom-expression
Clarke shows none of the usual stubbornness by not seeking to appeal against the BBC<p>The justice secretary certainly acted unlawfully in refusing to allow the BBC to interview Babar Ahmad, a British prisoner wanted in the US on terrorism charges, as the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jan/11/bbc-interview-terror-suspect-babar-ahmed">high court has found</a>. But once the <a href="http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/media/judgments/2012/bbc-v-sec-state-for-justice-judgment-11012012">judgment</a> came out, Ken Clarke showed none of the stubbornness associated with previous prisons ministers, telling the court that he would not be seeking to appeal.</p><p>True, Clarke stood very little chance of overturning the ruling. Previous successes by the media mean that a reporter may now interview a prisoner seeking to highlight an alleged miscarriage of justice or some other issue of legitimate public concern. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/jan/12/babar-ahmad-victory-freedom-expression">Continue reading...</a>PoliceUK newsExtraditionLawUK criminal justiceBBCMediaUK security and counter-terrorismFreedom of speechBabar AhmadThu, 12 Jan 2012 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/jan/12/babar-ahmad-victory-freedom-expressionPhotograph: Free Babar Ahmad/PABabar Ahmad after his arrest in December 2003, showing injuries he says were inflicted by police officers. Photograph: Free Babar Ahmad/PAPhotograph: Free Babar Ahmad/PABabar Ahmad after his arrest in December 2003, showing injuries he says were inflicted by police officers. Photograph: Free Babar Ahmad/PAJoshua Rozenberg2012-01-12T11:10:00ZStalking is a serious crime that deserves serious consequenceshttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/nov/28/stalking-serious-crime-new-legislation
David Cameron has admitted there is a gap in the current law on stalking. Kristiana Wrixon and Felicity Dennistoun debate whether a new offence of stalking should be created<p>There is no question that stalking <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/nov/13/stalking-not-taken-seriously" title="">victims are being let down</a>. A <a href="http://www.protectionagainststalking.org/VictimSurvey2011.docx" title="">recent report</a> released by the charity Protection Against Stalking found that 65% of people who contacted the police and 77% of people who had contact with the Crown Prosecution Service were not happy with the response they received. The question is why? Without a doubt there needs to be better training and awareness to change attitudes but is this enough? Can attitudes really change when lawmakers do not acknowledge that stalking is a crime?</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/nov/28/stalking-serious-crime-new-legislation">Continue reading...</a>UK criminal justiceLawCrimeUK newsPoliticsPoliceMon, 28 Nov 2011 14:43:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/nov/28/stalking-serious-crime-new-legislationPhotograph: Robin Beckham @ Beepstock / Alam/AlamyA recent report found 65% of stalking victims who contacted police were unhappy with the response they received. Photograph: Robin Beckham @ Beepstock /AlamyPhotograph: Robin Beckham @ Beepstock / Alam/AlamyA recent report found 65% of stalking victims who contacted police were unhappy with the response they received. Photograph: Robin Beckham @ Beepstock /AlamyKristiana Wrixon and Felicity Dennistoun2011-11-28T14:43:47ZPolice bail debate raises legal eyebrows | Joshua Rozenberghttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/jul/06/police-bail-debate-legal-eyebrows
The supreme court seemed to be exercising powers it does not have when it offered to consider suspending the bail ruling<p>"We can change the law more quickly than you can." That seemed to be the message to parliament from the supreme court at the end of last week. A spokesman told the Press Association news agency that the court would consider a belated application by Greater Manchester police to "stay", or suspend, the high court ruling on bail that has caused such consternation during the past week.</p><p>That raised legal eyebrows. "I didn't know the supreme court had the power to stay a ruling ahead of an appeal," one criminal lawyer told me. I immediately asked the court's spokesman whether it did.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/jul/06/police-bail-debate-legal-eyebrows">Continue reading...</a>UK criminal justiceUK supreme courtPoliceUK newsLawWed, 06 Jul 2011 12:32:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/jul/06/police-bail-debate-legal-eyebrowsPhotograph: Christopher Lee/Getty ImagesGreater Manchester police applied belatedly to the supreme court to 'stay' a ruling on bail. Photograph: Christopher Lee/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Christopher Lee/Getty ImagesGreater Manchester police applied belatedly to the supreme court to 'stay' a ruling on bail. Photograph: Christopher Lee/Getty ImagesJoshua Rozenberg2011-07-06T12:32:35ZVital safeguard of right to lawyer in police stations 'under attack'https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/jun/30/safeguard-right-lawyer-legal-aid
Plan to scrap automatic access to legal aid solicitors is a full-blown assault on the universal right to representation<p>Kim Evans is a police station representative based at the criminal defence firm Goodall Barnett James. She spends up to two days a week and one in three weekends on call as a duty solicitor advising suspects in custody at Hastings and Eastbourne police stations.</p><p>A former detective in the Metropolitan police, Evans has spent 31 years working at the sharp end of the criminal justice system. "I'd guesstimate that 90% of my clients have a personality disorder, mental health issues, and, or, serious substance addiction be it drugs or alcohol," she says.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/jun/30/safeguard-right-lawyer-legal-aid">Continue reading...</a>Legal aidUK criminal justiceLawUK newsLegal Services CommissionPoliceSolicitorsThu, 30 Jun 2011 15:29:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/jun/30/safeguard-right-lawyer-legal-aidPhotograph: Chris Young/PASuspects held at police stations would no longer get free legal advice under the proposal, but would be means-tested. Photograph: Chris Young/PAPhotograph: Chris Young/PASuspects held at police stations would no longer get free legal advice under the proposal, but would be means-tested. Photograph: Chris Young/PAJon Robins2011-06-30T15:29:29ZWikiLeaks data gives fresh impetus to Pat Finucane inquiry campaign | Jon Robinshttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jan/17/wikileaks-pat-finucane-inquiry
Leaked US cables could throw fresh light on the level of state collusion in the 1989 murder of Belfast civil rights lawyer<p>"Some Americans might decry Julian Assange as some kind of anarchist – someone who should be locked up for a thousand years," reflects Michael Finucane, a 39-year-old Dublin-based solicitor. "But all WikiLeaks is doing is filling the vacuum created by governments unnecessarily."</p><p>Readers who know the Finucane name will understand the significance of those words. Michael is the son of Pat Finucane, the murdered civil rights lawyer. In 1989 Douglas Hogg, then junior home office minister, told the House of Commons some solicitors in Northern Ireland were "unduly sympathetic to the cause of the IRA". Michael Finucane has described these words as "a verbal hand grenade lobbed into the cauldron of Northern Ireland".</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jan/17/wikileaks-pat-finucane-inquiry">Continue reading...</a>Pat FinucaneWikiLeaksNorthern IrelandPoliceMI5MediaPolitics pastLawPoliticsUK newsBelfastMon, 17 Jan 2011 12:20:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jan/17/wikileaks-pat-finucane-inquiryPhotograph: Ho/REUTERSPat Finucane, the Northern Ireland civil rights lawyer killed by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989. Photograph: ReutersPhotograph: Ho/REUTERSPat Finucane, the Northern Ireland civil rights lawyer killed by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989. Photograph: ReutersJon Robins2011-01-17T12:20:55Z